Nov 08, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current] 
    
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current]

Studio Arts - Illustration Emphasis (B.F.A.)

Location(s): Main Campus


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Program Summary

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts with an Illustration Emphasis is a program that focuses on intensive training in visual communication and design supported by a program of general studies. Students will develop essential illustration skills and a portfolio of artwork to assist in launching a career in the illustration market/s of their choice:

  • Entertainment Art: Concept art for movies, cartoons, video games, etc.
  • Publishing: Book covers, children’s books, graphic novels, comics, etc.
  • Advertising: Printed or online ads and ad campaigns.
  • Editorial: Printed or online magazines and newspapers.
  • Licensing: Art for consumer products.
  • Self-Publishing: Self-initiated illustration projects created for a self-procured audience.

The illustration program suits individuals who demonstrate creative ability and potential in visual art and strengths in problem-solving and self-motivation. Proficiency in drawing the human figure is essential. Graduates will have developed competencies in preparing illustrations in various media and subject matter, including the use of current illustration technologies. In addition, students will have developed practical communication and business skills related to their markets of choice. An illustration degree will culminate in the preparation of a body of illustration work to promote a career and/or apply for further graduate studies.

Program Information

  • All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the minor.
  • Transfer students must complete at least 50% of their art credits at SUU.

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)


See General Education  for course options.

  • Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
  • Breadth Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Breadth Area requirements.

Studio Arts - Illustration Curriculum (85 Credits)


Illustration Emphasis Required Courses (30 Credits)


Art History Course (3 Credits)


Complete one of the following:

Illustration Emphasis Electives (27 Credits)


Complete nine courses from the following:

Free Electives (0-14 Credits)


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, B.F.A. Degree: 120


Program Learning Outcomes


  • Develop a proficient level of firsthand skill in the techniques, materials, processes, and technologies used in creating illustrations from rough concept to finished art including: traditional drawing and painting, mixed-media, graphic design, photography, and current digital applications.
  • Effectively use the elements and principles of design to solve narrative and conceptual visual communication problems and skillfully evaluate artwork perceptively and critically.
  • Gain understanding of the origins of illustration in art history as well as knowledge of the current major issues, commercial applications, and business practices of the illustration industry
  • Synthesize illustration skills, knowledge, and individual artistic talent to create and exhibit a portfolio of illustrations that demonstrates perceptual acuity, conceptual understanding, advanced technical facility, and unique artistic expression at a professional entry level.

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